The Whitehouse Consultancy is an issues led communications agency, specialising in public affairs, policy analysis, media relations and crises communications. We advise clients on how to effectively and positively engage with key the decision makers of Westminster, Whitehall, Brussels and local government.
We are looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running in forming relationships with clients, working with a good degree of independence and contributing enthusiastically to business development.
Associate consultant
Core responsibilities:
- Acting as a central point of contact for client activity, including managing some clients as directed;
- Attending client meetings with MPs or officials as requested, participating in discussions and advising the client where appropriate;
- Monitoring Government departments and public policy announcements, consultations, calls for evidence and press releases, and highlighting issues of relevance for clients;
- Arranging and scheduling Parliamentary meetings, receptions or other events;
- Drafting target lists of Parliamentarians and officials;
- Preparing briefings, policy audits, research papers and Select Committee submissions and consultation responses under guidance;
- Providing reports on relevant meetings or hearings;
- Drafting correspondence to Parliamentarians and officials;
- Supporting internal communications where our role is to provide Secretariat services to a trade body;
- Contributing to the development of client strategies and new business, including suggesting ideas and leading on their delivery.
Experience required:
- Experience and/or some knowledge of the UK health sector;
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject;
- Demonstrable experience in a political and public policy making role in Westminster, Whitehall, think-tanks, a political party, NGOs or the private sector;
- Experience of managing multiple clients or projects at the same time;
- A good working knowledge of the political processes in the UK;
- The ability to understand and digest complex information quickly and effectively;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Proven experience of working within the mechanisms of Parliament to drive forward demonstrable change;
- The ability to work as part of a small and dedicated team and with minimal supervision;
- Experience of presenting reports and presentations both verbally and in writing;
- Experience of providing a Parliamentary and political monitoring service;
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office packages.
Consultant
Core responsibilities:
- Developing creative and effective public affairs strategies for clients;
- Managing client accounts and implementing public affairs strategies, directing the work of junior colleagues;
- Drafting or supervising written communications, briefings, research, policy reports, white papers, public policy position statements, responses to Select Committee inquires and departmental consultations;
- Attending meetings between clients and Parliamentarians and civil servants; carrying forward agreed action;
- Supporting media and PR activity alongside the PR team;
- Keeping up to date with issues in the sectors which affect your clients and Whitehouse as an agency;
- Developing and driving new business activity supported by Directors;
- Line management of Associate Consultant level team members.
Experience required:
- Educated to degree level;
- Experience in a political or public policy making role in a public affairs agency, in Westminster, Whitehall, a think-tank, NGO or in the private sector;
- Experience of independently managing clients or significant policy related projects and supervising team members;
- A good working knowledge of the policy making process and Parliamentary mechanisms in the UK, with demonstrable experience of applying this knowledge to achieve policy objectives. Additional knowledge of the devolved nations or the EU would be welcomed;
- The ability to digest complex information quickly and effectively;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- The ability to thrive as part of a small team and demonstrate leadership skills;
- Experience of presenting reports and presentations verbally and in writing;
- The ability to prioritise own workload;
- The desire and ability to support business development.